ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Fluids Engineering - Metering Research Facility

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio is seeking an entry-level engineer to provide support for research projects focusing on fluid systems and handling equipment. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with up to 5 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include designing testing programs, operating specialized facilities, and developing new business through networking and proposals. Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn new technologies are essential.

Qualifications

• 0-5 years of industry experience, internship, or undergrad research in relevant fields.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex information.
• Willingness and ability to learn new technical skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support for research projects on fluid systems.
• Select instrumentation and equipment for tests.
• Develop new or modified custom test facilities.

Skills

Hands-on experience with experimental methods

Interpersonal and team skills

LabVIEW programming

Modeling in SolidWorks/Creo/Ansys/Fluent

Programming using Excel VBA/MathCAD/Matlab/Python

Education

Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Job description

Who We Are:

We solve complex fluids problems to help society gain access to energy and water. Mutual respect and collaboration define our culture, where the sharing of knowledge and the drive for excellence are pervasive. Safety is a top priority and is integrated in every operation.

Objectives of this Role:

• Provide engineering support for research projects on fluid systems and fluid handling equipment.
• Topics include natural gas (dry gas flow measurement, natural gas quality, gas/liquid separation) and hydrogen applications, multiphase flow, and alternative energy.
• Design, build, and operate experimental testing programs that create field-realistic process flow conditions (pressure, temperature, fluids) in controlled test environments.
• Lead experimental research projects in a laboratory / test facility setting.
• Interact and engage with commercial and government clients to develop solutions that fit their requirements, bid new projects, write proposals, and manage the project budget, schedule, and technical performance.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Select instrumentation and equipment, implement data acquisition and control systems, plan and execute tests in specialized test facilities.
• Provide engineering support for test facility operation including maintenance, repair, and upgrade, equipment selection, and daily operations.
• Develop new or modified custom test facilities to accomplish project-specific requirements.
• Post‑process test data; write and present reports and technical papers; manage the technical and financial performance of projects.
• Learn and apply new skills in a fast‑paced research environment led by pursuit of industry’s most pressing engineering challenges.
• Develop new business through networking, customer engagement, conference attendance, and proposal writing.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or directly related degree field.
• 0-5 years: Industry experience, internship, or undergrad research in one or more of the following areas: natural gas industry, data acquisition and control system development, alternative energy, hydrogen energy and energy storage, water management (harvesting, reuse, or desalination).
• Hands‑on experience with experimental methods (e.g., lab testing, data acquisition) or facility operation in an engineering context.
• Must possess strong interpersonal and team skills and the ability to effectively communicate complex information.
• Must have the willingness and ability to learn new technical skills and have the ability to balance multiple tasks and prioritize work.
• Experience with one or more of the following: LabVIEW programming or similar data acquisition and controls experience, modeling in SolidWorks/Creo/Ansys/Fluent, or programming using Excel VBA/MathCAD/Matlab/Python is required.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here .
For benefits information at all other locations, click here .

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.